Trekking in the Amazon Rainforest – The Holiday of a Lifetime

One of the biggest ‘holidays of a lifetime’ for many people has got to be trekking in the Amazon rainforest. Just the thought of it is enough to send a world of exotic images spiralling into your mind: the verdant green of the trees, the shrieks and calls of the monkeys and birds, the croak of frogs, the trickle of sweat as it glides down your back, the squelch of the soft ground beneath your boots…

The Amazon rainforest traverses a whopping nine countries, over an area one and a half times the size of the European Union, meaning the opportunity to trek terrain that varies enormously. Visitors to the area should prepare to navigate microclimates where it can vary from the very hot to pouring rain, with changing animal species that diversify with their environment – and what animals they are! Jaguars, monkeys, anacondas, frogs, parrots, dolphins, crocodiles and tarantulas are just a few among the thousands of different types of animal life that can be found within the depths of the Amazon’s tropical rainforest. This, combined with the amount of species of plants and trees, makes the area one of the most magnificent in the world. Trekking in the Amazon rainforest is something that challenges tourists, and becomes an experience they will never forget.

Unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest is under growing threat of deforestation caused by logging, cattle ranching, mining and more. Global climate change is also a significant threat to the rainforest. Many people are aware of the types of threats that put the future of the Amazon rainforest in jeopardy, but are we doing enough to help protect this precious land?

If we want this region to keep its stunning, world-renowned biodiversity intact for the future, then we’re going to have to work harder than ever to stop deforestation, lower carbon emissions and reduce the terrible effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. It may be possible for us all to enjoy the wonders of the Amazon rainforest in our lifetimes, but what about the next generation, or the next? If you want to help ensure that this precious – and crucial – rainforest is looked after and protected, it’s time to look into what you can do to help the cause. After all, there’s only one Amazon rainforest – and once it’s gone, it’s gone.